"An Adventure in Cloud Nine"

Pilotwings 64, one of the first games to come out on the N64, along with Mario 64 and Wave Race 64. It is indeed my favorite game of all time, mostly because of the many different modes of play, and the space to explore every nook and cranny. Each level offers interesting sights, challenging missions, and realistic weather conditions, which also includes thermal effects. Although there are not too many levels, there are many unique modes of transport, which come along with their own objectives. Some of these vehicles are the Rocket Belt, the Hang Glider, and the complex Gyrocopter, and many others to unlock for your gaming pleasure.

Although made in the early stages of the Nintendo 64, the graphics are far from awful, with elevation change varying throughout the levels as well. From the great plains of Little States, to the icy mountains of Everfrost Island, you can tell that you are in a environment original to the game. As far as the weather goes, one level may be sunny and bright, the other cloudy, another one under a deep sunset, or even one where it is snowing profusely. Along with the changes, the wind may pick up and become stronger as well. Of course, if you are light traveling with something like the Hang Glider, you may experience some turbulence, so just hang on and do what you need to do, because in most cases, as you slow down or decline to the ground, you won't have much time to explore.

The audio in the game is far from exciting, but it does leave you at ease when in the middle of an intense mission. The calm, breezy tracks will lull you into a state of rest, and at that point it will be easy to just enjoy the scenery and do what you need to do objective-wise. Although it can be upbeat once and awhile, it will still not make you so tense that you will constantly mess up, and I definately think this is the right music for this game.

An N64 classic, Pilotwings 64 is an amazing, giant tropical world that will offer many surprises in its levels. You will never be bored with this game, and with the many new modes to unlock, and the intense missions to complete, this game will please anyone who wants a challenge, or anyone who just wants to sit back and enjoy the view from up high. I'm sure you'll have a good time, considering that there is no in flight movie.